Private jet owners gain operational documents preparation extension

The Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka has extended the ultimatum earlier given by him for the revocation of Flight Operations Clearance Certificate (FOCC) and Maintenance Clearance Certificate (MCC) of all foreign registered privately - owned aircraft operating commercial charters in Nigeria.

According to the Minister, the decision which was revealed in his office in Abuja when he met with the Aircraft Operators Association of Nigeria (AOAN) was in quest for fairness to all stakeholders and the desire for continuous and sustained development in the aviation industry. He added that the objective aims at fulfilling the Transformation Agenda of President Jonathan rather than their NCAA authorization for private (Not for hire or reward) operations within Nigeria.

Osita Chidoka informed that effective from March 1, 2015 all foreign registered private category aircraft that are listed on the OpSpec Part G of some Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders would be removed from the status by the NCAA. "Consequently, the aircraft operations will remain grounded until NCAA approves an alternative operational status for the aircraft. Based on this directive and eventual compliance by NCAA at the expiration of the ultimatum, the members of AOAN visited the Minister at his instance upon receiving a letter from them asking to meet with him," he espoused.

Earlier in his address, the General Secretary of the foreign registered privately owned aircrafts, Mohammed Joji (Capt) in his opening remarks said that the purpose of their visit was to appeal to the government to give them a 120 day window upon expiration of the earlier deadline to enable the members regularize their operational documents.

Mohammed Joji debunked the impression that the activities of privately - owned aircraft operators is responsible for a reduction in the revenue of the government. He averred that rather they contribute more to the revenue of the government than anyone else.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Mohammed Abass, while announcing the extension of 90 days as against the 120 sought by AOAN on behalf of the Minister disclosed that no private jet will be allowed to operate without authorization within the extension period.

The Secretary of the Aircraft Operators Association of Nigeria (AOAN) in his reaction expressed delight for the fairness of the government, pledging that members will regularize their documents within the period and defaulters will be heavily sanctioned.